On Father’s Day, Family, and Making Space to Land
I just got back from a weekend in Salt Lake City where I met up with my dad after his work conference. We spent a few days exploring the city, hiking, catching live music, eating good food, and laughing the way only family can — loudly, and often.
It felt so good to spend that time together. We’ve always been close, but the older I get, the more I appreciate the kind of relationship we have. Even though we live in different states, we’ve made an effort to find time together when we can — and trips like this always remind me how worth it that is.
He’s someone I feel fully myself around. I don’t have to explain much. He gets my sense of humor. He celebrates my wins. And while things haven’t always been perfect, there’s a lot of ease and joy in how we connect now. I’m really grateful for that.
Travel Is a Gift — and It’s Tiring
That said… travel still takes it out of me. Even when it’s for something good. I love being on the go, but bouncing between airports, adjusting to new places, and staying "on" for a few days in a row always leaves me needing a reset.
I used to come back from trips like this and jump right into work or plans, but I’ve learned how important it is to schedule in a buffer — a day to land before I launch into the next thing. To unpack slowly. To let my body catch up.
Massage Helps Me Land
Massage is one of the ways I do that. It gives me a space to settle my nervous system, work through the tightness that comes from sitting, walking, traveling, and socializing, and return to a feeling of groundedness.
It’s part of how I integrate all the emotions that come up from being with family, especially when you don’t see each other all the time — the joy, the nostalgia, the tenderness, the fullness of it all.
If you're in a season of movement, whether it's for family, weddings, or summer plans, I hope you're also giving yourself space to pause. The travel is beautiful. But the return matters too.
Journal Prompt
What kind of space do you need after travel or time with family — and how can you give that to yourself more intentionally?
